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Renette Hartridge, UK Director of Sales for Sanctuary Retreats,
started her career working in conservation promotion in South
Africa. When she came to London to attend the huge global travel
trade show, World Travel Market, in 1999, little did she know her
life was about to change for ever. But a chance meeting with
British travel writer Steve Hartridge ended in true love and a
happy ending, as Renette moved to the UK to be with him.

Ten years ago she joined niche award-winning luxury safari lodge
and camp operator Sanctuary Retreats, and her African background
and experience in conservation meant she was well within her
comfort zone. As Sanctuary Retreats expanded into boutique
expedition ships located in some of the most stunning locations in
the world, Renette had the opportunity to expand her horizons, and
develop a new travel passion for Asia, and more specifically for
magical Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Political changes in Burma have meant that it has only recently
begun to open its doors to international tourism. The limited
tourism infrastructure means that river cruising is the perfect
solution for those who wish to explore off the beaten track, whilst
taking their creature comforts along.

I asked Renette why she was so captivated by the country on her
first visit. "It has the charm of a developing country," she told
me. "It's hauntingly beautiful. I love the contrasts of the ochre
earth and the bright vibrant colours, but overwhelmingly it is the
warm and hospitable people who have won my heart. They have a
natural gentleness, and gave us such an open and heartfelt
welcome."

The Sanctuary philosophy is to offer authentic travel
experiences away from the crowds. Sanctuary Ananda was built by
local craftsmen using traditional materials, quite a difference
from some of the gleaming western style offerings in the area, or
indeed the colonial décor of some other vessels.

River
cruising in Europe notoriously suffers from a lack of
differentiation, so I asked Renette what, apart from the décor,
sets Sanctuary Ananda apart from the competition. She pointed to
the exceptional standards of service, and in particular food, with
a chef who is a 'superstar' who joined Ananda from the Mandarin
Oriental in Bangkok. She flagged the accommodation: just 21 suites
with full outdoor balcony. And she highlighted the unique
excursions, such as the candle-lit dinner in their 'philanthropy
village' Sin Kyun, which the company supports, in consultation with
the village elders. Here, with no light pollution in the area,
dinner is a magical experience with just lanterns and candles,
enabling guests to glory in the starlit night.

Three, four and seven day cruises are offered between Bagan and
Mandalay, but Renette recommends for more seasoned travellers the
more remote itineraries on the Upper Irrawaddy and Chindwin, and
suggests that any cruise should be combined with time in Yangon, a
stay at Inle Lake, and for sun-lovers, some beach time at Ngapali
beach.

So what are Renette's Burma highlights? She has so many she can
hardly manage to tell me them all! Travelling out on the water in a
peapod boat to watch the sunset at U Bein Bridge, the magic
completed by a glass of champagne; hot air balloons at dawn over
the plains of Bagan; an extraordinary lunch on a private restaurant
boat on Inle Lake; and much more.